The 13th National Boscoree 2018 began with great pomp and fanfare with 4058 scouts-guides and 477 officials and dignitaries gathered on the Father Sean McFerran Parade Ground, Divyadaan Salesian College of Philosophy. Ms Ann Choi, Salesian collaborator and the Deputy District Commissioner of the Scout Association of Hong Kong was the Chief Guest for the occasion.
The solemn inaugural ceremony began at 14:00 hours, showcasing varied cultural performances portraying the grace and colour of the different cultures from the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The scouts and guides from Dakor, Ahmednagar and Kawant enthralled the gathering with their spirited enthusiasm swaying to the beats of the dhol, the lezim and the cymbals. The Salesian students of Divyadaan Salesian College of Philosophy enhanced the ceremonial extravaganza with their polished band pieces. Percussionists from Sacred Heart School, Nashik provided the local flavour with the feisty rhythmic Nashik Dhol.
Further on, the ceremony struck a solemn note as the dignitaries were escorted by the colour party to the stage at the call of the bugle. This was followed by the flag break, the national anthem and the scout prayer song. Immediately thereafter, 17 groups representing the scouts and guides from the different Don Bosco and Auxilium schools participated in a highly disciplined march past to the beats of ‘Colnel Boogey’.
A serene and synchronised prayer dance by the students of Kilbil School, Nashilk was then followed by Father Ian Doulton, the Boscoree Camp Chief welcoming the gathering and encouraging the scouts to be strong and self-reliant. ”Scouting is a way of life that reminds you that today you are a young citizen of this great country but before long you will be a full-fledged adult citizen of India.” said Father Doulton.
The Boscoree Souvenir was released by Ms Choi, amidst a host of Salesian and other dignitaries. Sister Rita Dora the Provincial of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of the Mumbai Province; Father Godfrey D’souza, Salesian Provincial of Mumbai; Father Robert Simon – the Don Bosco Youth Association Delegate for South Asia; Bishop Lourdes Daniel of the Diocese of Nashik; Dr. Ravindra Singhal, Commissioner of Police, Nashik City and Ms Ann Choi. ”We need you to be ambassadors for Scouting,” said Choi as she encouraged the scouts to continue the scouting legacy of instilling leadership, character and service and declared the 13th National Boscoree open.
Sr Rita Dora, Provincial of the FMA province of Mumbai, informed the gathering of the excitement that has been steadily building up among the organizers over the past 18 months. She encouraged the participants saying, “make the best of the opportunities that will come your way over the next few days.”
Fr Godfrey D’Souza, Provincial of the Mumbai Province, used the story of the good wolf and bad wolf to drive home the point that good must be done and evil must be avoided at all times. He encouraged the students to take the first step in this direction during the Boscoree and carry forward all that they learn here to the places they come from.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the ‘I Love Boscoree’ selfie point by the Chief Guest. The installation is sure to be a fascinating crowd magnet over the next 2 days.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a performance of the theme song and the vote of thanks by the Camp Chief.
The 13th National Boscoree 2018 comprises 143 units, 4058
Scouts and Guides, 165 Scoutmasters, 137 Guide Captains =
107 Salesians, 43 Salesian Nuns and a huge army of volunteer Rangers & Rovers.
The Official BOSCOREE LINKS are:
WEBSITE http://www.boscoree2018.in/
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/13thboscoree/
INSTAGRAM @13thboscoree
YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy1DAcx-6SaYvbsHMAPU7lA/
